Industry Press Releases

u-blox introduces the most secure Wi-Fi modules for industrial markets

Thalwil, Switzerland – March 14, 2017 – u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, today announced two new Wi-Fi modules for industrial markets. NINA-W131 and NINA‑W132 (http://publitek.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a1d1427fb86306d94a4ae4a24&id=e168e6b6db&e=5b64a0adc2) are ultra low power Wi-Fi modules supporting 802.11 b/g/n in the 2.4GHz ISM band. They are the first two variants of the new NINA-W1 module series. Developed with security and quick time-to-market in mind, the NINA-W1 stand-alone modules make Wi-Fi integration easy. Their secure design makes them ideal for Wi-Fi applications including telematics, low power sensors, connected buildings (appliances, surveillance etc.), point-of-sales, and health devices.

“A major challenge in today’s IoT applications is security,” noted Pelle Svensson, Market Development Manager, Product Center Short Range Radio at u-blox. “With NINA-W131 and NINA-W132, we are giving product developers ready-to-use modules with extra security focus, antenna options, pre-flashed connectivity software and a range of country certifications; all to efficiently integrate Wi-Fi connectivity into IoT devices.”

The NINA-W1 modules provide top grade security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module only boots up with original u-blox software. In addition, they will provide end-to-end security on the wireless link with the latest 802.11i (WPA2) standard and enterprise security to provide a secure connection to the infrastructure.

Device design is simplified as developers can choose to either use an external antenna (NINA-W131) or take advantage of the internal antenna (NINA-W132). Furthermore, the NINA-W1 modules are pin compatible with the NINA-B1 Bluetooth low energy modules, thus offering maximum flexibility for devices that are to offer multiple radio technologies. As with all u-blox short range radio modules, the NINA-W1 modules will be globally certified.

NINA-W131 and NINA-W132 are the first Wi-Fi modules in the NINA-W1 module series. The NINA-W1 series will be expanded to include variants with Open CPU, Bluetooth connectivity, and additional hardware interfaces (RMII, CAN, SDIO, etc.).

NINA-W1 and a related demo will be shown at the u-blox booth 3-139, Hall 3 in the new System.M2M area of Embedded World, held in Nuremberg, Germany, on 14-16 March 2017.

Swiss u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. u-blox solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to empower OEMs to develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA.